Power transmitting apparatus



S. MAYNER I POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS I Aug. 7, 1945.

Filed May 15, 1941 mm mm 4mm mm aiiwiii m ii 5! W STANLEY MAYNER member according Patented 'Aug. 7, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT v OFHE 2,381,682. 4 rowan TRANSMITTING APPARATUS Stanley Mayner, Cleveland, Ohio 1941, Serial No. 393,237

(Cl. (so-54) Application May 13,

9 Claims.

This invention relates to power transmitting apparatus and it is a-primary object of this invention to provide a new and improved apparatus of this character and at increased efilciencies.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a reaction member in my apparatus that is capable of performing a plurality of functions in accordance with torque requirements.

It is another object to provide 'a type 'of construction of the inner and moving parts of my fluid power transmitting apparatus to enable the utilization of inherent characteristics of the working fluid.

Another object is the provision of a mechanical device-adapted to change the character of my apparatus. i. e., a torque converter to a coupling and vice versa, in accordance with load or torque requirements.

It is another object of my invention to automatically vary the turning moment in the driven to load. 7

Additional objects of my inventionwill become apparent from the following description and with reference to the drawing. wherein:

Fig. 1 1 represents. in substantially complete cross section, my combination hydrodynamic torque converter and coupling.

Figs. 2 and 3 schematically represent a preferred blade arrangement of my apparatus.

Figs. 4 and 5 represent a sectional and projected view of my automatic torque changing device.

Fig. 6 diagrammatically represents a cam operated braking device. I

Fig. 7. is a diagrammatic representation of a plan view of a portion of the reaction member.

Fig. 8 is a partially diagrammatic representation of fluid behavior in the casing'of my apparatus.

Referring to Fig. l, I show therein a complete schematic arrangement of apreferred embodiment of my invention where total control of speed and torque transmission is centered in a single foot pedal. or the control may be in'a single hand operated lever on a steering column of an auto- I mobile or otherwise as desired, (not shown). As

shown in the figure, the unit is operating under light load, and in this instance as a coupling. This condition would be had when a steady speed is maintained as on a substantially level road in the case of an automobile. v

The casing of my fluid power transmission apparatus consists of an outer portion l secured to an engine flywheel (not shown) in any desirable manner as by bolts 2, and having as an integral by reaction member 8 is to form a coupling, the two members acting as a.

part driving blades 3; the entire casing rotating treely on a power transmitting, shaft t. The casing further contains a driven member 6 keyed to the shaft 1 at IA. Between "the driving and driven membersthere is interposed a. reaction 3 member 8 which performs a. multiplicity of functions as will be explained hereinafter.

The reaction member 8 is keyed at I to a tubular shaft 9 and is capable of free rotation when not held by clutching device Ill. The casing i, as hereinbefore stated. rptates freely about shaft 4 riding on bearings H on hollow shaft 9 and bearings I! on the .key'ed portion of the driven member 6. Thus the driving and reaction members are entirely independent of each other, oi the driven member 6, and of the shaft I.

I provide a holding or clutching device 5 wheretied in with the driver unit. The clutching or holding device 5 consists of a. drum l3 fastened by bolts M to the casing I, and an inner outwardly expanding brake l5. In the position shown the brake I5 is in contact withthe drum I3.' The brake i5 is in turn keyed to the hollow shaft 9 at IS. in this manner the driving member 3 and reaction member 8 form one single impelling unit. for the reaction member becomes fixed to the driving member and through such union creating a simple coupling consisting essentially of driving and driven members.

The expansion of brake it of fected by means of a bellcranlt i1 having one end pivoted at l9 and its other end slidable relative to a partially conical cylindrical cam 20 movable ever. driven member 6 is held member is directed against the on hollow shaft 9. The brake 15 may thus, by movement of part 20 in one direction, be placed in a fully contacting position with drum l3 or by movement of part' 20 to the other osition brake I5 is placed in 5. released position with drum l3, and in turn converting my apparatus from a simple coupling to a torque converter. as will be herein more fully explained. A release of'drum 13 will free thereaction member 8 from being a driving member to one that can be entirely free to rotate. That is. the reaction member 8 is new independent of the driving member 3. Ii. howfrom rotation by from the driving reaction member an opposite direction. The

holding shaft d, then the fluid causing it to rotate in reaction member thus absorbs the energy that would have been imparted to the driven member t3. However, this operation takes place only during idling periods of the prime mover. for durng acceleration or deceleration it is desirable to have about shaft 4 device 5 is efthe unit work as a torque converter or a coupling.

The shaft 4 holding means are hereinafter deand of the driving member 3 during substantially no load or predetermined load periods, or when the vehicle containing my apparatus is not in motion. Idling may start at some point before the complete withdrawal of the foot pedal,

The brake or holding device I is a conven-' tional type of hand brake comprising a braking wheel 2| keyed to hollow shaft 9 at 22 and a circumferential friction band 23. ,The brak is applied by constricting band 23 by means of movement of opposed raised face cams 24, 25, particularly shown in Fig. 6. Then by application of either braking devices or III I may change the character of my apparatus toa coupling type or a torque converter at the proper moment, and automatically.

A third braking means 25 is employed for purposes of such neceessary operations as stopping all motion of the power transmitting shaft 4, idling, and stopping the vehicle using my apparatus. The brake is simply-composed of an external braking band 3| acting on a drum 21 fastened by means of bolts 28 to the casing of my automatic controller 30, whose function will be later explained, and to which shaft 4 is splined. For constricting the braking band 3| any type oi cam means may be employed as those of Fig. 6.

Brake 25, when applied, is designed to bring to a complete stop therotation of shaft 4. However, in downgrade travel it is usually the practice to utilize the engine as a partial drag" and not resort to the brake, this is effected by not completely withdrawing the foot pedal. The

spring 43 in my load responsive device 30 can be made stiff to a desirable degree to approximate a predetermined load before yielding even if brake 25 is partially applied. Then during thi period until this load is reached and the foot pedal is fully withdrawn, the engine will be idling, the

' reaction wheel will be independent of the driving member, and will continue to absorb the energy meant for the driving member. With the brake partially but not fully applied the rotation of driven member 6 will be decreased accordingly and to a point where the free reaction wheel will absorb substantially all of the energy meant for the driving member. Should the driving mem-, ber rotate more rapidly than the driven member the free reaction member will similarly perform but taking the thrust from the other side. If the brake is fully applied the vehicle will stop, the

engine will continue idling,. and the reaction wheel remain free until the accelerator pedal is again depressed.

The three braking or holding devices 5; I5 and 25 are made to act normally sequentially giving a smooth operation and in accordance with load encountered or torque to be transmitted by the shaft 4. Single control may be placed in a foot pedal 32 located conveniently in a vehicle. To the foot pedal there is pivoted a rod 33, partly shown, which may be connected to a carburetor of a prime mover operating my power transmitting apparatus. The foot pedal is also pivotally joined by the connecting link 34 to a bell crank 35 which has on it a cam as hereinbefore ex.- plained adapted to constrict the braking band 3| about drum 21 and bring shaft 4' to a stop. A link 35 in turn joins bell crank 35 with cam arm 25A (Fig. 6), wh-le opposing cam arm 24A,

mounted on the common shaft 31, is pivoted at its other end with floating links 35, "A. Link 35A is pivoted at its other end to member 35 which is pivoted at a desired point between its ends at 40, the pivot 40 being fixed in an extension l5 of bar 23 which can be desirably attached to the vehicle chassis. The other end of member 35 rides inla cylindrical collar 4| on shaft 4. Link 38 is pivoted at its other end to member 42 which is pivoted substantially intermediate its ends at 43, and the other and moving in a yoke 44 which is a part of the cylindrical cam 20.

The cam arms 24A and 25A, having cams 24,

25 respectively, are so originally positioned relotive each other that even a full down travel of the foot pedal 32 .will cause butan initial mating or contact of the cams; yet a release of brake I, that is a retraction of cylindrical cam 25, will cause a movement of floating link 38, 35A forward and thus a definite movement of cam arm 24A in a similar direction immediately looking with cam 25 of arm 25A and looking or holding brake ill. The locking of the cams will at all times depend upon the relative angular position of cam arms 24A, 25A, and having once locked device |l cam 24 is capable of further movement on the raised fiat surface of cam 25, thus permitting great angular movement of the cam arms. This relative positioning of cams 24, 25 can readily 'be had by a determination of the various link and member lengths, and Fig. 6 is but a representative example of the type of the cams and their" ability to constrict holding band23-about drum 2|. The device 30, comprising my automatic means for converting my power transmitting apparatus from a straight-forward coupling to a torque-converter, and vice versa, is shown in Fig. 4 and consists of. the hereinbefore mentioned cylindrical collar 4| slidably mounted on shaft 4, moving in or out of casing 45, itsdnside portion 45 being enlarged and fitting closely within the casing, and having pins 45 rigidly fixed within this portion. This inward enlarged portion 45 of yoke 4| is splined and moves on the splined portion of shaft 4'. The pins 45 extend into related ansular slots 41 in the casing 45. The casing 45 is keyed to driving shaft 50 as at 50A, the transmission of power from shaft 4 to 50 taking place solely through pins 45, two of which are shown but any number may be used. A compression spring 49 abuts the inside of the casing 44 and collar portion 45. The compressive resistance of the spring 43 is made equivalent to a certain initial desired increase in load or to, a transition point whence my apparatus is converted from a coupling to a torque converter.

In operation, a greater than normal twist of the shaft 4 will cause the splined pin bearing member 45 to move the pins 45 in their relative forward, thence moving member 42 which causes a release of device 5 by the withdrawal of cylindrical cam 20, freeing reaction member I from the driver ,3, and by cam 24 on arm 24A locking I with cam 25 on arm 25A the holding device I.

is at once put into operation holding fast reaction member 8, making it a guide member for the fluid transmitted from the driver 3 to the driven member 5. The load overcome, the spring 45 will then expand, forcing collar 4| to its former that greatest possible member 8. Movable blades exerts a greater pressure tionally retarding bent spring permitting a greater 'volume of fluid to act on the position and the members 39, H, cam arms 24A, 25A will separate releasing device Ill and guide member 8, device immediately going into a lockingposition acquiring additional driving area in taking over the reaction or guide member 8 as part of the driver, and the unit thus automatically becoming a coupling once more.

From. an operating standpoint, considering an automobile, the foot pedal 32 "need be the sole source of control. During starting or on heavy loads it will be depressed considerably,- accelerating the motor orprime mover. The torque necesstary to move the vehicle will at this moment need be great, the twist on the shaft by the rapidly moving driving lar ll to move,locking brake drum ill to efiect a guide member of reaction member 8, and thus' creating a torque converter wherein the flow of fluid is directed into the vanes of driven member 5. The vehicle started, or the load overcome, the torque converter becomes again a coupling.

I have thus far described a novel and an automatically operating unit that is controlled from a single point, the foot pedal 32. one that will adapt itself immediately to any change in load encountered. However, I have further increased the efllciency of myapparatu's by av particular design and arrangement of the reaction member 6. I have found that ii the angle of moment of the circulating fluid is controlled at all speeds member 3 will force cOlthe driven member, but also provide 10: a wide range of speeds.

Referring'again to Fig. 2, I show the relative positionof the driving blades 3, reaction member blades II, and the driven member blades 0, and item be seen that the unit under light load and rotatingin the direction'or the arrows, the blades 5| willbe positioned as sho less volume but increased vel ity. But with increased load blades 5! will be opened proportionally and deliver fluid to blades 6 in increasing Q volume and decreasing velocity.

by utilizing the at time or entering the driven members vanes torque is always being de-- further after substantially exthe driven member which ,I

livered. And pendingits kinetic energy in 6, the fluid tends to build up a pressure .utilize by my construction in securing free and unhampered passage back into the vanes of the driving member.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 7, I'show therein a construction of the topportion of the reaction 5! rotate with pins 52 which have flxed to one end a substantially flat surfaced cam 53 frictionally moving relative a bent spring Bl rigidly fastened to the reaction member's body by means of bolts 55. The angular movement of blades BI is, however, limited by means or stop pins 56, fixing the maximum possible angular movement determining the angle of transmission of the fluid delivered to the driven member. The normal position of movable blades 5| maybe as'shown in Fig. 2. substantially rectangular cam 53 fixed rigidly to pin 52 and to,whi ch the blade 5! is also flxed determines the angle of the blade and the maximum opening possible by thestop pin 56'.

' when the driver 3 accelerates the entering fluid blade Blcausing it to revolve against the trio- M, and straighten,

to the driver at an angle thusincreasing the as of the entire unit, and utilizing the maximum The lower blades of my reaction member are desirably so positioned in order to deliver fluid v avoiding abrupt entrance into driver blades, consequent shock, and tendency to slow down driver speed during overload periods. This particular blade position is shown in Fig. 3. It can be readily understood from this illustration that the entry of fluid from blades 8, into blades 8A, thence into blades 3, is more uniform. This lower blade design or reaction member 8 in effect creates the last portion of the driven member as a driving member. for it converts the built up pressure energy into kinetic energy facilitating r -delivery to the driver, efllciency of the driver as well amount of energy possible Irurther increase the efliciencyof the unit particular behavior oLthe circulating fluid. Due to centrifugal action there is created considerable disturbance of the circulating fluid taking 'place on the inner periphery of the casing i. .This disturbance takes the form of swirls, eddies, or currents adhering to the peon the larger side of driven member, in accordance with the increase greater torquedsincreasing .speed of the that theyv are riphery and thus retarding the speed of the driver. This retardation has considerable eflect, when the unit is acting as a coupling, on the driven member, creating a certain .amount of slipDB-Be and consequent waste of energy. By using the casing having an integrally buiwin driver and rotating the casing I carry along these disturbances. Then by leaving the driven member's blades or vanes uncovered I cause the disturbances'to act on the blade ends to aid in their rotation. This I show schematically. in Fig. 8. The small eddies or currents are shown at the top of the uncovered blades 6 dragging or pulling on the blades in the direction of rotation of the driven casing.

- While I have described my apparatus in ac-'- cord ance with the illustrations shown in my drawing, it is capable of further use inherent to it as, for instance, by holding the driven member 8 while permitting reaction member 8 to run idle. then all energywill be absorbed by the latter causing it'to reverse rotation, and which rotation could be utilized readily for operation or transmission gears, housing drums, etc. There are other uses which will be apparent. to those skilled in the art than the embodiments herein described; therefore I wishit to be understood illustrative only, and that my invention' is not limited thereto.

' Letters Patent of the parting to it an increased velocity which at high speeds will cause the driven member to rotate at a speed approaching thatof the driver. These movable blades not only thus control the most efliciently desirable angular delivery of fluid to 'fluiddriven member, a attached to the driven her for directing circulating fluid to the'driven' ,member thence back What I claim asnew, andidesii'e to secure by United States, is:

. 1. In a power transmitting apparatus or the character described, a fluid driving member, a torque transmitting shaft member, a reaction memto the driving member.

' means adapted to connect said reaction member to or release it from'said driving member, and

means positioned in said torque transmitting shart delivering fluid in by stopping the rotation of said torque transmitting shaft and permit independent rotation of said reaction member for absorbing circulating fluid energy, and means positioned in the torque transmitting shaft automatically responsive to torque conditions for operating said first two means.

3. In a power transmitting apparatus of the character described, a fluid driving member, a fluid driven member, an interposed reaction member adapted to run independently, or to be connected to the driving member, or to be held stationary as a guide. member, a torque transmitting shaft attached to said driven member, manually operable. means for determining the independent rotation of the reaction member, means automatically responsive to torque conditions and positioned in the torque transmitting shaft for operating means controlling the connection of the reaction member to the driving member or for holding it stationary, saidmanually operable means permitting independent rotation of the reaction member when the torque'transmitting shaft is held fast.

4. A power transmitting apparatus comprising a fluid impeller, a member driven by the fluid, a reaction member interposed between the impeller and the driven member, means for connecting the reaction member to-the impeller or to a stationary element, and torque responsive means for controlling said connecting means comprising a first shaft connected to the driven member, a second shaft alined with said first shaft, a casing surrounding adjacent ends of the alined shafts and connected to rotate with one of them, angularly disposed guides in the casing wall, a member in the casing mounted on the other shaft for rotation therewith and adaptedto move longitudinally on said shaft and 'having followers pro- Jecting into said casing guides, yielding means opposing movement of the movable member in response to variations in torque transmitted by the first shaft, and means controlled by move ment of said followers for operating said reaction member connecting means.

5. A power transmitting apparatus comprising a fluid impeller, a member driven by the fluid, a reaction member interposed between the impeller and the driven member, means for connecting the reaction member to the impeller or to a stationary element, and torque responsive means for controlling said connecting means comprising a first shaft connected to the driven member, a second shaft alined with said flrst shaft, a casing surrounding adjacent ends of the alined shafts and connected to rotate with one of them, angularly disposed slots in the casing wall, a member in the casing splined to the other shaft for move ment thereon and having pins projecting into the casing slots, yielding means opposing movement of the movable member in response to variations in torque transmitted by the first shaft, and

means controlled by movement of said pins for operating said reaction member connecting means.

6. A power transmitting apparatus comprising a fluid impeller, a member driven by the fluid,.a torque transmitting shaft attached to said driven member. a reaction member interposed between the impeller and the driven member, a sleeve around said shaft and attached to said reaction membenmeans adapted to hold said sleeve against rotation, asecond means adapted to attach said sleeve to said impeller thereby causing the impeller and reaction member to rotate as a unit, and torque responsive means positioned in said torque transmitting shaft controlling said flrst and second means.

7. A power transmitting apparatus comprising a fluid impeller, a member driven by the fluid, a torque transmitting shaft attached to said driven member, a reaction member interposed between the impeller and the driven member, a sleeve around said torque transmitting shaft and attached to said reaction member, means mounted on said sleeve for stopping the rotation thereof,

an adjacent stationary element for holding said means from rotation, an element attached to the impeller, a second means mounted on said sleeve and adapted to engage the element attached to the impeller to thereby cause the reaction member and impeller to rotate as a unit, and torque responsive means positioned in the torque transmitting shaft controlling both said means.

8. A power transmitting apparatus comprising a fluid impeller, a member driven by thev fluid, a torque transmitting shaft attached to said driven member, a reaction member interposed between the impeller and the driven member, a sleeve around said shaft and attached to said reaction member, means on said sleeve for connecting said reaction member to the impeller or to hold it stationary, said means comprising a first mem ber mounted on said sleeve for rotation therewith, a stationary element adjacent said member and adapted to hold said member against rotation, a second member mounted on said sleeve for rotation therewith, an element for engaging said second member, said element attached to said impeller, at least two opposed cams mounted on said stationary element being adapted to cause said stationary element to hold or release said first member, means cooperating with one of said cams adapted to engage or disengage said second member with respect to the element attached to the impeller, and torque responsive means positioned in the torque transmitting shaft controlling said cooperating means.

9. A power transmitting apparatus comprising a fluid impeller, a. member driven by the fluid, a torque transmitting shaft attached to said driven member, a reaction member interposed between ,the impeller and the driven member, a sleeve around said shaft and attached to said reaction member, means on said sleeve for con necting said reaction member to the impeller or to hold it stationary, torque responsive means positioned in the torque transmitting shaft controlling said flrst means, said first means comprising a first member mounted on said sleeve for rotation therewith, a stationary element adjacent said member and adapted to hold said member against rotation, a second member mounted. on said'sleeve for rotation therewith, an element for engaging said second member, said element attached to said impeller, at least two opposed cams mounted on said stationary element for operating said element, said cams having surfaces adapted to provide for continued relative motion of one of said cams .over the other after their initial locking engagement, one of said cams being manually positioned and the other 01. said cams being positioned by said STANLEY MAYNER. 

